EARLY WAIRARAPA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 9

EARLY WAIRARAPA

EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE IN TARARUAS. THE WAIOHINE GOLD RUSH. „ (To the Editor.) Sir,—l would like to say (even so belatedly) that your issue of Friday last was, in my opinion, one of the most interesting any inland newspaper reader could hope to see produced so attractively—both from the letterpress and pictorial point of view —in support of the entrancing story of an age-old search by one of its readers (Mr Charles Bannister) for the legendary lost lake “Hapuakorari” which so intrigued us lads of Wairarapa when first heard spoken of by our fathers long years ago. They, doubtless, had in mind your pioneer-contributor’s expeditionary search for the mythical lake at this identical period in which this occurred, and the mythical lost gold reef also, which ended in the contemporary-dated "Waiohine Gold Rush,” appearing in another section of your last Friday’s issue (under the apt caption "Hopes That Failed”) gave exceptional interest to these Tararua mountain regions named, and just now looking so invitingly down upon all us sun-swathed dwellers of Masterton. and other Wairarapa and those. Manawatu sea-skirted towns, equally enchanted by them, as we flatland inhabitants, this side of the range, most certainly are. To keep alive, as it were, the sunny smile of Mr Bannister, I would add to his scrap book a verse or two of satirical jingle written by his old pioneer friend, Geologist William Skey, of Taratahi, anent the famous “Waiohine Gold Rush,” which, on account of its geological impress, must appeal greatly to him: — "From the town in forest born. From the town all river-worn, Went there forth at early dawn Of its men a hardy band With their pannikins in hand Yellow grains to measure ofl’ That are gathered in the trough. In the narrow-winding rift Of the Waiohine swift, Or in reef’s-ore gathered thick Waiting for the heavy pick Of the gallant ones who’ll dare 'Midst the rocks of upper air: Of the active ones who'll crawl Where the avalanches fall: Where the waters ever brawl On the Tararuas tall — Went there forth with eyes ablaze Joyful through the morning haze. Each upon his gallant moke. Wrapt in thought and wrapt in smoke, Dreaming of the joys to be In the near futurity— ■ With their wives and sweethearts drest In ‘Kirkcaldie’s very best: And a balance at the Bank: (All their claims already pegged And their nuggets safely pegged) Joy unto that happy thing Joy unto a Silver KingUp thro' spray and foam they push Where the many waters rush: Up the river-road they go. On its banks or in the flow, Stern they breast that mighty flood (All the pick of Greytown’s blood) Swim the depth of waters slack Stem the dizzy whirlpools black Spur they on the heaving flanks Up and down the boulder banks Where the precipices frown On the waters far a-down: Where the day is dimly seen High above the sombre green On they ride through foam and spray And bravely force their rugged way: All resolved to do or die On the Tararuas high Where the rivers have their birth In the secret springs of earth: Where the hurricanes are nurst Ere upon the Plains they burst— Lured by glittering metal line Which to their gaze will shortly shine 'Midst the mottled reefs that run Thirty ounces to the ton.

The last line has sinister meaning as the poet aside remarks: —“The Waiohine Rush was occasioned by the fact that some prospectors in the vicinity had left behind them (on the mantelpiece of a Grey town Hotel i a piece of red rock which later —or a substitute specimen—was found, upon later assay at the Colonial Laboratory,

to register thirty ounces pure gold, crushed, to the ton. “In our place of ease we pray For those friends so far away: For those staunch prospectors brave Who for us so willing slave: For those lovely forms divine That around our hearts entwine: Pray we all with fervour great Pray we all importunate That kind heaven will gracious send Luck unto each digger-friend—.” This but “a sample” of the poet's skill—thirty good-humoured ounces of satire to the verse—I hope it will lead the adventurous-minded among your many readers throughout Wairarapa district to emulate Mr Bannister’s and their worthy effort to find "Hapuakorari,” and on chance come across the hidden gold-reef, by way' of added recompense—l am. etc.. N.J.B. Masterton, December 22, 1939.